eijo wrote:None of this has anything to do with Shingon Buddhism, except to say that what Shingon actually teaches to its lay followers in Japan is something relatively similar to Humanistic Buddhism. "Orthodox Buddhism" still has not been defined by the OP, perhaps he should start there.

Thanks, Rev Eijo! I was thinking of asking you about some of this, but you have appeared at the auspicious moment!

Well, when you think about it, the exoteric element of Shingon has similarities to Humanistic Buddhism. When Kobo Daishi established Koyasan, he did this for the monastic community at large to come cultivate and go beyond the pale of the academia to achieve the fruit of bodhi. And when you do engage in the esoteric practice, the focal point of the teaching is the great act of compassion toward all beings. Exoteric and esoteric activities go hand in hand in that sense.

Well, when you think about it, the exoteric element of Shingon has similarities to Humanistic Buddhism. When Kobo Daishi established Koyasan, he did this for the monastic community at large to come cultivate and go beyond the pale of the academia to achieve the fruit of bodhi. And when you do engage in the esoteric practice, the focal point of the teaching is the great act of compassion toward all beings. Exoteric and esoteric activities go hand in hand in that sense.

Thanks, good to hear from someone with a foot on both sides of this story.